Her: Daph is totally up to something.
Me: Oh, no. What do you know?
Her: This is on suspicions only. She told me to make sure you look hot.
Me: Shit. Daphne was definitely up to no good.
Her: Did you really just cuss? Lol
Me: Yep. I wasn’t one to let people hear me when I was angry. I knew lawyers were ruthless, but I wanted to also be considered a lady. So I kept my temper to myself. I tossed the phone back down, sitting on the edge of my bed, and burying my face in my hands. Daphne was my best friend, I loved her to death, but sometimes she meant well but only harmed the situation. My gut told me she was trying to make me forget about Cade, an impossible task. I vowed to stay for dinner only, then I was leaving. Especially if she invited some male companions along.
I shuffled to the kitchen, filling Hamlet’s food bowl and giving him more water. Checking to make sure everything was turned off, I stuffed my phone and wallet into a small clutch and headed out the door. My car, the not so shiny new Honda that desperately needed a wash, was parked snuggly in my small car port. I planned to build a garage, but couldn’t seem to find the time to get my dad over to help me. I slid in, buckling and adjusting my mirrors. I look tired, sad. It’s not the best feeling to know that’s how I appear to everyone, but what more could I do?
###
The smell of sweat hit me as soon as I passed by the bouncer. Daphne, Bree, Kylie, Ava, and Brooke were seated in a corner booth, sipping their drinks and chatting away like only women can do. I rushed over, slipping through the sea of bodies. Hands touched me, fingers brushed my legs, and my chest constricted as anxiety gripped at me. Being near this many drunk people wasn’t my favorite thing, and Daphne knew that, so I was curious why she chose a place I would hate for our girl’s night. I arrived at the table in one piece, sliding in the seat next to Ava, the tall redhead I met in a town meeting.
“Hey, Ava,” I greeted, then turned sharply to face Daphne. “What were you thinking? I hate bars.”
Her big eyes widened as she agreed with me. “I know.”
I stared at her. “And? Why here?”
“You need to get out more,” she slurred, “and I’m going to help you. You need to forget work, forget Cade, and just have fun.”
“Who is Cade?” Bree chimed in, looking genuinely confused.
“No one,” we said in unison.
Kylie laughed loudly, snorting a little, “Sure, he’s no one.” She used air quotes, her blue eyes wide and glassy as she giggled.
Brooke, the serious, married one of the group leaned forward. “You love him. I can see it written all over your face. Tell us who he is,” she demanded. Daphne met Brooke in college. I wasn’t her biggest fan, mainly because she was snobby to me half the time. She ran hot and cold. I never really knew if she liked me or not. I never understood why, but it didn’t matter. Seeing her once a month was something I could handle.
“I loved him at one point, yes, but now he’s just my client,” I said, looking over the menu.
Bree looked up, her golden brown eyes widening in excitement, “did you say client?” A smile crept over her lovey face. She was petite and curvy. Men loved her. She was also the only mom of the group. Her daughter, Ally, was the cutest kid ever. I loved it when she brought her over. Ally’s dad had split when Bree got pregnant, so she raised her on her own. She was a strong woman. I’d have to remember to tell her to bring Ally to meet Hamlet.
I nodded, a smile spreading widely across my face.
“Finally!” Kylie yelled, throwing her arms up. She was tall, lanky, and the tomboy of the group. I’d never seen her in a dress or skirt, and doubted I ever would. Her blue peepers were framed with dark lashes to match her equally dark hair.
Ava smiled, downing the rest of her drink. She slammed the glass on the table, causing me to jump. Her flaming red hair was piled on top of her head, a few tendrils framing her freckled face. Her big blue eyes shone in the dim light and a mischievous smile plastered her face. “Yesssss,” she hissed, though I didn’t know if it was for the drink or because I had a client. Bree laughed, leaning around her to give me a high five. She was the only other one that didn’t get inebriated, so we usually ended up laughing at everyone else. I slapped her hand back, turning in time to see the waiter walk up. He was tall, muscular, and very attractive. Kylie instantly started flirting with him.
Twisting her brown locks around her finger, she batted her lashes and coyly asked, “Hey, handsome, care to get me another drink?” Her voice was as smooth as velvet. “Vodka on the rocks, please,” she said, licking her lips.
Rolling my eyes, I ordered a cheeseburger and water. The other ladies told him what they wanted, then we all watched him walk away. His fitted black pants made his backside look just right.
“Mmhmm,” Daphne sighed in front of me, a dreamy look on her face.
I laughed, shaking my head at them. Girl’s night out was never dull with these women. I thanked Matthew, our waiter, for my water and sipped it as I studied the bar. People were hanging all over one another, so much so that it was embarrassing for me to even watch. I diverted my eyes, focusing my attention on Bree.
“How’s Ally?” I asked, moving my head back and forth around Ava’s winding body. I felt like a duck.
“She’s good, she made honor roll again, my little super smart girl,” she said proudly.
I hoped to know that pride someday. I sat my water down, getting lost in my thoughts when a foot kicked me under the table. I snapped my eyes up, seeing Daph giggling and looking behind me. “What?” I questioned, about to turn.
Ava grasped my arm, “Don’t,” she whispered a little too loudly as she laughed.
I stared at Daph expectantly. She leaned forward, “A guy is checking you out and coming over here.” Her eyes widened and she nodded at me, as if telling me to go for it.
Rolling my eyes yet again, I reached for my phone as a shorter man stopped by the edge of the booth. I looked up, seeing brown eyes and curly blonde hair. He wasn’t what I would call attractive, but wasn’t hideous either. He smiled widely, showing perfectly straight, white teeth.
“Hi,” he said, holding his hand out. “I’m Ryan.”
I took his hand hesitantly. Ryan, I thought, what an ordinary name. Nothing like Cade. I cursed my mind for thinking of him, smiled slightly, and said, “Francesca.”
He held on to my hand , the sweat of his skin streaking my palm. I tried not to grimace.
“Wanna dance?” he asked, his beady eyes looking me over.
Why did I wear a low shirt? “Umm...” I started, but was interrupted by Daphne.
“Yes, she will! Go on now, Franny. Dance with this nice man,” she cooed at me, a devious look in her eyes.
I glared at her, silently telling her how much trouble she was in when this was over. Standing, I contained the groan that tried to slip out as I realized I was almost a head taller than him. I glanced back at my friends, seeing them all trying to contain their laughter. I scrunched up my face in anger, letting Ryan lead me to the floor. His sweaty hands grasped my waist, going to my hips, and I directed them back up.
“Sorry, Franny,” he said, leaning closer.
“My name is Francesca,” I corrected him, stepping back.
“You friends call you Franny. Am I not a friend?” he asked. I could smell the alcohol rolling off his breath.
“No, you’re not.”
“Can I be?” he mumbled, his face inching closer to my chest.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, moving back once again.
“You’re pretty,” he hissed, his eyes unclothing me.
“Thanks,” I said, disgustedly.
He stumbled forward, “Can I mix my baby batter with your eggs?” he slurred trying to reach up and kiss me.
I pushed him off me, yelling, “Get away!”
His hands moved upward, trying to grope me, when a strong body pulled me away. I looked around, shocked to see Cade
rescuing me.
“Don’t touch her,” he commanded. His eyes were wide, angry, his voice deep and threatening. He, too, smelled like alcohol, but I didn’t care in this moment. He was here getting this creep away from he. His hands held me tightly, pressing my body to his. My breath quickened being so close to Cade. He sensed my distress, giving me a slight squeeze.
“Hey, she was dancing with me,” Ryan declared, puffing his chest out, making himself look like a fish of some sort. He was at least a foot shorter than Cade, his body could be smashed in seconds.
I laughed, loudly, as I imagined Cade squashing him like a bug.
“Now she’s not. Go,” Cade said, pointing towards the door. His nostrils flared. He was angry.
I placed my hand on his chest, trying to not think of how hard and muscular it felt, “Cade,” I whispered, leaning closer, “it’s ok. Let’s just go.”
Ryan moved closer, grabbing at my hand. “Come on, Franny, leave this jerk behind. Let’s finish dancing.”
“Ok, one: don’t call me Franny. Two: I’m not dancing with you. And three: I’m a lawyer...I’m about to call my buddies at the police department to come see you about harassment for trying to grope me one more time.”
His eyes widened in surprise and he backed away, his hands raised up and head shaking.
Cade laughed, his voice deep and alluring next to my ear. I realized I was still pressed into him, but I couldn’t make myself back away. Our eyes locked, the fluttering sensation starting in my tummy that always happened with Cade. He spun me around, pulling me to the dance floor.
Chapter Fourteen-Cade
Her skin was hot against mine, her breath sweet and tantalizing the closer she got. Her brown eyes peered at me, questioning mixed with longing, under her mile long lashes. She continued to gaze at me as I pulled her closer. The song was fast, but I didn’t care. Seeing that creep trying to put moves on her made me realize just how much she still meant to me. How badly I wanted her.
“Cade,” she breathed, her voice husky. “This song isn’t slow....” She looked around, checking for stares, I was sure.
“I don’t care,” I admitted. “Are you ok?” I questioned, lifting her chin in my fingers.
She nodded, looking over my shoulder, at my nose, anywhere but my eyes.
“Ok...one more question,” I said.
She finally connected her gaze, my heart fluttering on impact. “What?” she whispered.
“Did that guy...did he...did he really ask you to mix your eggs with his baby batter?” I chuckled out.
Her eyes widened as her teeth captured her lip. She shook as she laughed, gripping her stomach and almost doubling over. “Yes,” she giggled out, barely catching her breath.
I laughed louder, grasping her hand to guide her off the dance floor. She directed me towards a table filled with women, all gaping at us. Her hand slid out of mine and I felt empty without her touch. She stopped at the edge of the table, fidgeting with the edge of her shirt.
“Hello, Cade,” the pretty brunette said, a knowing look on her face.
Upon further inspection, I saw it was Daphne something or the other, Francesca’s friend from high school.
“Oh, hey...Daphne, right?” I greeted, raising my fingers in a slight wave.
“Mmhmm,” she said, her eyes darting from me to Francesca, over and over again.
“Are you ladies having a good night?” I asked, smiling at each one when I made eye contact.
“It just keeps getting better,” a bright redhead acknowledged.
“Well, Francesca, I think you will be ok left in these ladies’ capable hands, I’m going back to meet up with my friend, Jay.”
She looked almost sad to see me go, but the look passed quickly. “Ok. Thanks again, Cade,” she said, her voice soft as her hand reached out to my arm.
“Anything for you, Francesca.”
###
I woke sprawled on my bed, feet dangling over the side. My face was mushed in the covers. I hadn’t even made it to the pillows. Disoriented, I raised up, rubbing my eyes. My foot hit something that moaned. Namely, a someone who moaned. I maneuvered my body around, careful to not fall, to see Jay in the floor. Flat on his back, his mouth was open wide and he snored loudly. Groaning, I sat up. The room spun slightly, but not as much as I expected. After seeing Francesca, I drank half the alcohol in the place. I couldn’t remember what I did after I watched Francesca leave with her friends. My memories were blank. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how I got home.
“Jay,” I grunted out, poking him with my foot. “Wake up, man.”
He rolled over, away from my prodding, and buried his face in the mass of clothes laying there.
I stood, gaining my balance before I attempted walking, and went to release the contents of last night. Afterwards, I downed a glass of water, chasing it with a shot of whiskey. Checking my phone, I was disappointed to not see anything from Francesca. I don’t know why I expected her to contact me. It was hope more than anything.
Jay stumbled through the hallway, leaning on the wall for balance. He practically fell through the bathroom, landing against the counter with a thud. I didn’t stop the laughter from escaping my lips.
“Shut up, asshole,” he called out.
“Nope,” I replied, waltzing back to the kitchen to pour him a class of water. I took another shot as I waited.
He shuffled in, his hands holding the mess of blond hair on his head. “Why did you let me drink so much?” he cried out. His body slumped in the chair, his head falling to the table.
“Drink up, tiger,” I joked, sliding the glass to him. Jay was an old friend I’d met through work. He was a couple of years younger than me and he, apparently, couldn’t hold his alcohol.
Groaning, he sipped the water. “How are you not as messed up as I am?” he questioned, looking envious.
Shrugging, I just smiled, patted him on the back, and headed for a shower.
###
The rest of the day was a blur. Jay eventually made his way home, though he still whined about his hangover. I drank, ate, and drank some more. Pops called twice, though I didn’t answer, and Cason showed up around 6 p.m.
“What’s going on, bud?” I asked, ushering him in.
“Came to check on the job situation. You found anything yet?” he asked, making himself comfortable on the couch.
Shaking my head, I grabbed two beers from the refrigerator and sat beside him. “Nah, not yet. Haven’t really looked,” I admitted, popping the tab.
“Cade, I don’t think Dad will bail you out anymore,” he said, pushing his beer away.
“Of course he will, little brother. He always does,” I shrugged, drinking half the can in one gulp.
“I talked to your boss, Cade.”
“So?” I looked at him like he had three heads. What did that matter?
“She told me what she said to you. About how you could get your job back.”
“Oh, yeah, she seems to think I have a drinking problem,” I laughed, chugging the rest. “You gonna drink that?” I asked, pointing to his unopened can.
He shook his head, leaning back with his arms crossed. “Maybe you do....”
“Do what?” I inquired, turning to face him.
“Have a drinking problem?” he said sharply, pointing to the drink in my hand.
I laughed again, louder this time, “No, I don’t. I can stop at any time I want. I just don’t want to.”
“Cade, I think you need to sober up,” he said, his voice rising.
“What the hell is your problem?” I yelled, slamming the can on the table. “Dammit, you made me spill some!”
He shook his head, taking the can quickly from my grasp and rushing to pour it down the sink. I followed after him, the anger growing. I saw him rustling through my kitchen drawers, then moving back to the living room.
“What are you doing?” I asked him.
“Looking for your keys.”
“Why?” I spat out.
“Because, big brother, I don’t trust you to be here alone, drunk and unable to make decisions, with access to your car. And I need to leave before I get really mad at you. So tell me where they are,” he demanded.
With a curt shake, I said, “No.” The shiny treasure set was lying on top of the TV, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. Nor was I going to give myself away by trying to get them first. My insides were twisting, my skin growing hot. Cason was being ridiculous and it pissed me off.
“Cade,” he said, then turned quicker than I imagined he could, reached out, snatched the keys, and headed towards the door.
I ran after him, grabbing him by the shoulder. “Cason! Give me my damn keys,” I screamed, gripping his arm tightly.
He shook me off in seconds, and I realized the alcohol was making me slightly weaker than he. He simply stared at me, watching as I tried to regain balance, and shook his head. His face was sullen, disappointed, and sad.
“I don’t know how to help you. Maybe...,” he appeared to be lost in his thoughts, his eyes boring a hole in the wall, “maybe she could help you.”
“What? I don’t need help. And who are you talking about?” I replied, growing more and more frustrated with my brother.
One hand grasped the door knob, the other held tightly to the keys. “I love you, Cade. And I’m worried about you. That’s all you need to know. I agree with Ms. Thorpe.” He gave me one last look, his eyes wide and childlike as they filled with his despair.
“Cason,” I said, moving to stop him, but I was too slow. He slammed the door behind him, rattling the few pictures that adorned the walls. I sank to my knees, burying my head in my arms. I didn’t know what was up with my brother, but I had a deepening feeling in my gut that my life was going to change soon. For the better or worse, I didn’t know, but something was coming.
The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories Page 110